Thor is a forthcoming 2011 American superhero film based on the comic book character of the same name published by Marvel Comics. It is the fourth film to be released in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is scheduled to be released on April 27, 2011 in Belgium, Egypt, France, and Switzerland and on May 6, 2011 in the United States. The film will star Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Jaimie Alexander, and Anthony Hopkins with Kenneth Branagh directing a script by Ashley Edward Miller, Zack Stentz, and Don Payne. The project of a film adaptation of Thor was in development hell for several years before Marvel Studios signed Protosevich to write its script in 2006. Matthew Vaughn was to direct the film in late 2008 for a release in 2010. Branagh replaced Vaughn in late 2008, and the film's release was rescheduled into 2011. The main characters were cast in 2009, and principal photography took place from January to May 2010. Thor is also scheduled to be released in 3-D.